9 “Former Pakistani” Biharis killed in Bangladesh

Biharis have claimed that local Bangalee youths vandalised some houses and looted valuables of the Biharis. At least nine people have been burnt alive following a clash between the Bangalee (Bangladeshis) and Bihari (former Pakistan Nationalities lived in Bangladesh) community people in Kalshi of Dhaka, Bangladesh on Saturday morning.

Of the victims, seven are identified as Baby, her sons Lalu and Bhulu, her daughters Shahana and Afshana, Daughter-in-law Jayeda and Shahana's son Adil.Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Jasimuddin confirmed the deaths to the Dhaka Tribune. According to Jasimuddin, "Eight of the victims are from the same family. The death toll may rise further as several other people received severe injuries."The police officer informed to National Daily Dhaka Tribune, "The clash ensued between the Banglalee youths and Bihari Community people at 5am over exploding crackers marking the Shab-e-Barat. The Banglaee youths set fire at a house, leaving all eight family members dead.""The injured have received bullets and many were stabbed. They were admitted at different hospitals and clinics. Of the injured, Md Aslam, 50, Badar Uddin, 45, Arju, 16, Farzana, 30 and Azad, 35, were admitted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital."Wishing anonymity, an official of Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost said Azad received severe bullet injuries and succumbed to his injuries at DMCH."Imtiaz Ahmed, deputy commissioner, Mirpur Division told Media, "The bodies of the victims could not be recovered as the agitated Bihari people are not letting us to enter inside the area. The exact number of casualtiescould not be known. The death toll may rise further."Munna Hossain, joint secretary of SPGRC, an organisation of local Bihari community, said: "The Bangalee and Bihari youths were exploding crackers seperately around 5am. Hearing the sound of blast, police rushed in and asked both the groups to stop exploding crackers. At one stage of talk, the police engaged in a chase and counter chase with the Bihari youths. Suddenly, the Bangalee youths attacked the houses of Biharis in the presence of the police, set fire at five houses and injured many Bihari youths.Following the incident, Bihari Community people took to the street. The police have fired some blank shots to disperse the agitating people.They have claimed that local Bangalee youths vandalised some houses and looted valuables of the Biharis.According to online news portal Bdnews24.com, Ten people, including four women and two children, have been killed in a clash at a camp of 'stranded Pakistanis'.Bdnews24.com’s photojournalist Asif Mahmud Ove, reporting from the scene, said he had counted nine dead bodies.Quoting locals, he said miscreants attacked the camp in the morning and had set fire to at least 10 houses and damaged several others. Bdnews24.com Staff Correspondent Golam Mujtaba Dhruba, reporting from the spot, confirmed the he had counted nine bodies being put on a police van.

The camp shelters thousands of Urdu-speaking Muslims who prefer to call themselves 'stranded Pakistanis' and want to go over to Pakistan. Pakistan, however, has refused to take them in.

Last night, the holy Shab-e-Barat, a day for Muslim, observed across the country on Friday night with due religious fervour and devotion. The devout Muslims spent the night at mosques and homes offering prayers, reciting from the holy Quran and seeking blessings from Allah for long life, peace, progress and happiness.

For our international users, please be aware that the information you submit when registering for our services is collected in the United States of America. In addition to being subject to our Privacy Policy, the collection, storage, and use of your data will be subject to U.S. laws and regulations, which may be different from the laws and regulations of your home country. By registering for this service, you are consenting to this collection, storage, and use.

Create your screen name

Please create a screen name. This screen name will be associated with your
iReport stories and comments on this site.
It cannot be changed once you make a selection.